CQ2012 January's Block

I am so excited.  I feel like a kid who has just learned to ride a bicycle with no hands!  Can you hear me saying, "look at me"?  What is all the fuss about?  I finished my first block for the CQJP2012 project.  A thank you to StitchMAP for the CQ class that made it possible for me to think I could actually do Crazy Quilting.

CQJP2012 January



Fan Close Up

 I really had fun with this project.  It started out slow.  I found the fan picture on Hoop Love Vintage Transfers. I used tissue paper to transfer the design.  It worked very well.  I used DMC regular 6 strand cotton embroidery floss.  What was so fun is that I experimented a little with Long and Short Stitch on the flowers.  Mary Corbet has a tutorial for the stitch which I had participated in last year.  Also, I have to admit, that I have purchased Trish Burr's book, "Needle Painting Embroidery"  It was such an excellent book that I had to also order  Colour Confidence in Embroidery.  I am still going through these books. I have no doubt they will be important resources for me.

Silk Ribbon Flowers Close Up



After the fan, I used Buttonhole Stitch to applique the lace rose. Because the 12 blocks in the project are destined to become a pair of pillow shams, I have imposed some limits.  I don't want a lot of beads or buttons because the piece will need to be washable.  Also, I'm pretty sure they would not be comfortable.  I originally thought the same about silk ribbon embroidery, but this corner kept calling out to me.  It wanted some silk ribbon flowers and I was hoping to duplicate the flowers in my center piece fabric.  My picture is a little blurry, but how do you think I did?  It is only my second time using ribbon.  These ribbons are actually organza ribbons that I purchased on e-Bay.  That's where I also purchased a laying tool made of bone.  It really does help to keep your ribbon unbunched and full.


The seam treatments were fun. The Buttonhole Wheels were transferred from a pattern by Kathy Shaw.  You can find more information about her book Embellishing Crazy Quilts which contains these templates on her blog, Shawkl. I used waste canvas on the Herringbone Stitch and the Fly Stitch seams.  Kerry Katie Cakes has a nice tutorial on using waste canvas on your crazy quilt block.  She uses it to apply an image.  I used it to build even seams. I first saw the idea on the blog, Kitty and Me Designs.  Pam Kellogg, blog owner, has put together two e-books on seam treatments that are on my wish list. I follow her on Pinterest because I love her work! 

Here is one last look at the block.




Another look at CQJP 2012 January